In an Experiment Some Participants Are Asked to Write a Counter-Attitudinal

question 73

Multiple Choice

In an experiment some participants are asked to write a counter-attitudinal essay, but others are forced to write the essay. Based on cognitive dissonance theory, which of the following results should be expected?

• A) Participants asked to write the essay should change their attitudes, but only if they are paid very little money.
• B) Participants asked to write the essay should change their attitudes, but only if they are paid a large sum of money.
• C) Participants forced to write the essay should change their attitudes, but only if they are paid very little money.
• D) Participants forced to write the essay should change their attitudes, but only if they are paid a large sum of money.

---

Definitions:

Piaget's Stages

A theory of cognitive development that outlines how children progress through four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

Cognitive Development

The process by which individuals learn and develop mental processes used for thinking, understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving throughout their lives.

Sensorimotor

Refers to the developmental stage in early childhood where infants learn about their environment and themselves through sensory experiences and motor activities.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

A cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and overcome trauma-related thoughts and emotions, commonly used to treat PTSD.